On days like these, the water is calling. A quick swim to cool off, a quiet dip in a familiar spot. It feels safe, easy, routine. So you go in alone. But in Aotearoa, being alone is one of the biggest risk factors in drowning.
In 2025, more than 55% of all drowning deaths involved people who were by themselves. Over the past decade, 408 people have drowned while alone.
Fatigue can creep in.
A cramp can hit without warning.
A current can pull stronger than expected.
Or a medical event can happen suddenly.
These moments are often silent, quick -and when you’re alone - there’s no one to notice.
The reality behind the numbers – most people who drown aren’t taking big risks. They’re doing something familiar – in a place they know.
But when you’re by yourself:
When you get into trouble alone the margin for survival disappears.
Make the safer choice
On days like these:
On days like these, the water feels like freedom.
But safety comes from connection.
Because if something goes wrong, the person beside you might be the reason you make it home.